While the world often focuses on major international news events, it is essential not to forget the hundreds of thousands of refugees who are forcibly displaced across borders due to armed conflict. A poignant example of this exodus is seen in Mbera, in southeastern Mauritania, where thousands of Malian refugees are seeking refuge.
According to the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), Mauritania hosts more than 262,000 refugees, mostly women and children from Mali. These individuals, already vulnerable due to the conflict in their home country, now find themselves in an even more precarious situation, amplified by the climate crisis in the region.
Many Malian refugees have been forced to flee their country due to the internal clashes raging in Mali. Arriving in Mauritania, they find themselves faced with a harsh reality, in a territory where resources are already limited due to climate change impacting the region. The resulting humanitarian crisis is of an unprecedented scale and requires an urgent response from the international community.
In this alarming context, actor and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Theo James traveled to Mauritania to bear witness to the situation of Malian refugees. Coming from a family with a history of exile, James understands the importance of supporting forcibly displaced people and making their voices heard on the international stage.
“Refugees must be integrated into global climate policies,” Theo James stressed during his visit to Mbera. Indeed, the climate crisis is a reality that disproportionately impacts the most vulnerable populations, such as refugees. It is therefore imperative that their needs and rights are taken into account in discussions and decisions taken at international climate conferences.
The next crucial event is COP29, which will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, in November. Theo James will represent the UN Refugee Agency at this major event, where he will advocate for concerted action to protect displaced people and their hosts, who are also facing the challenges posed by the climate crisis.
In conclusion, the situation of Malian refugees in Mbera, Mauritania, highlights the need for concrete policies and measures to protect populations displaced by conflict and climate change. Urgent and united action is imperative to provide a safer and more stable future for those who have been forced to flee their homes.